Hardship

We recognise that there are circumstances where members of the (Scout) Association may be unable to meet the financial commitments for key Scouting events, but their participation would be both deserving and of significant benefit. This policy outlines the framework for handling cases of financial hardship related to events. Hardship cases are always considered on a case-by-case basis, and only where sufficient funds are available.

Implementation

When a young person’s parents, guardians or carers approach the relevant Section leaders, the Section Leader should enter discussions within the constraints of this policy. The Leader(s) may ask the Group Scout Leader (GSL), Group Chairman (GC), or Treasurer to participate.

Final approval requires the agreement of the Group Executive Committee.

The total amount available for support (the Hardship Fund) in a given calendar year is set at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Group Executive Committee will not allocate support beyond this total.

Any request for further support must be agreed by the Group Executive Committee.

The primary consideration must always be the young person: if they are keen and active members then we should be doing everything we can to enable them to participate.

Commitment to Scouting

The applicant must show a regular commitment to the Group, commensurate with the subsidy requested. The following is a minimum:

Financial situation

Support for members in financial hardship to attend camps/events in the UK or abroad

Support for members in financial hardship to purchase uniform

Support for members in financial hardship to support subscription payments

Support for individual members with special needs to participate in Scouting

One-off Section grants of up to £200 per year for activities/camps

The fund will support individual and family members in ‘financial hardship’, something which can be a difficult subject to discuss with young people, parents and leaders. Therefore a section grant is also available so a leader can offset the cost for some activities they feel are in danger of being exclusive due to cost. Young people and adults who are carers or are considered ‘looked after children’ (in care) would also be eligible.

Evidence that can help make the best judgement of ‘financial hardship’ would be if a family is in receipt of and not limited to one of the following:

Free school meals

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

An income-related employment and support allowance

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Child Tax Credit

Working tax credit

Universal Credit

Housing Benefit

The grants are provided on a matched funding basis (i.e. the recipient must usually make a financial contribution alongside the group’s grant). In special circumstances, grants may be made without matching funding.

Payment options

This would be directly from the group funds to the camp/event treasury and preferably by bank transfer.

Subscriptions

In cases of hardship, subscriptions may be reduced at a rate agreed by the Group Executive Committee.

Confidentiality

Information relating to individual hardship cases is often highly personal and is treated as strictly confidential. Any record of discussion of a hardship case at Group Executive Committee or its Finance Sub-Committee will be reported in a Confidential Minutes, separate to the normal minutes.

Policy Revision

This is v2.0 of the Hardship Policy and was adopted on 4th February 2019.

Upcoming Events

On Monday the 3rd June 2019 we will be holding a sailing night run by the Penine Sailing Club based at Winscar Reservoir, near Holmfirth. The evening will start at 6pm sharp and your Scout will need[...]